New larker, arm pain.

[OldManGraham]

hello all I've just started this cycling lark for the first time since stacking a bike 25 years ago and coming of second best with a kerb and 20 yards of asphalt, steady away so far on my ancient bike however my arms are about to drop off after only 4 rides of around 10 miles each, is this a common problem? or am I doing something wrong being new and all that? Thanks.

 

[cyberknight]

usually people dont get their bike set up right so they have too much weight on their arms and hands
https://wheel-easy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/bike-set-up-2017a.pdf

 

[Paulus]

Are you gripping the bars too tightly? You only really need to lightly hold them.

 

[Cycleops]

Try shifting your hand positions around the bars, sit up more and rest your hands on the bar tops from time to time. Do you feel you are leaning too far forward?
I see your bars where they bend is quite far forward, try some with less reach and a higher rise stem, I'm sure that would improve things for you.
These 'compact' bars might suit:
https://www.evanscycles.com/pro-lt-alloy-compact-handlebar-EV364135

 

[OldManGraham]

Are you gripping the bars too tightly? You only really need to lightly hold them.

Until I get my confidence back, yes I'm afraid I hang on for dear life !!